Chemistry

Head of Department; Mr Tim Jolliff.

Mrs Gill Watson, Mr Ian Henden

All pupils study Chemistry to GCSE, either as a separate subject or aspart of Core and Additional Science. In Years 7 and 8 the scheme of work forms a foundation of understanding and practical experience in Chemistry as well as covering the prescribed areas for Key Stage 3 ofthe National Curriculum. In year 9 the key stage 3 work is extended andfrom November the work covered is the start of GCSE.

In year 10 the whole year group is put into five or six sets for science, the top three or four sets take on all three sciences as single subjects, the other two sets do Core and Additional Science, this involves all three sciences but the amount of each is less. All students are taught for three lessons in each of the three science subjects per year.

Sound passes in separate Chemistry or Core and Additional Science along with Maths provide entrance to AS-level chemistry in Year 12. The AQA syllabus is followed for AS and A2. This is a new course written to follow on from the new GCSE courses and incorporating some ‘How ScienceWorks’.

The Chemistry department enjoys amenities of the highest quality. The labs were completely refurbished in 2001. Extensive use is made of experiments, molecular models investigations and ICT in the teaching and learning in Chemistry

We cater for a wide range inability with our pass rate consistently between 95-100% in both GCSE and A-level. We have had some very talented pupils that have been stretched in ‘master-classes’. Many of the Activities used in these come from the Royal Society of Chemistry book ‘ Chemistry for Gifted and Talented Pupils written by Mr Jolliff. Recently Oxbridge places have been offered to A-level chemists for Medicine, Maths and Natural Sciences.

Famous alumni include Professor Peter Mitchell, Nobel Prize for Chemistry 1978